Question about a coolant leak

[jlewis]

I just got done looking under my jeep for a transmission leak and I noticed a green on my engine. The leak is coming from behind my headers on my engine. Where do you think that leak is coming from? I could please use your help right now. Thanks.

[PlasticBoob]

Sounds like a freeze plug to me.

[jlewis]

Is that hard to fix?

[BarryL]

Depends upon which freeze plug is leaking. Changing is easy. Getting to some of the back ones is darn near impossible with the engine in place. There may be some trick I don't know about.

[jlewis]

I also have another question. Since I busted my radiator this past weekend. It has been reading hot. I have replaced the radiator and temperature sending unit. What else might be the problem for it running hot? How can you tell if you are getting proper coolant flow?

[J10_Jimbo]

Most freeze plugs on the side of an engine can be done in place, there is a rubber plug that tightens in place that will last for a while, or get the steel replacements that hammer into place. Depends on location as to whether you will need to remove your exhaust manifold.

Hot engine san be caused by failing water pump, slipping fan clutch, stuck thermastat, and of course water leaking from a rusted freeze plug.

[Chevelleguy]

If it overheated with the first radiator, you need to replace the thermostat. They don't like it and will leak the wax out of the temp bulb which causes them to not open again after cooling down.

[jlewis]

Thanks for your help. I forgot to tell you I already replaced the theromstat. I will replace the freeze plug. If that doesn't fix it then I will replace the water pump

[tgreese]

Originally Posted by J10_Jimbo

Most freeze plugs on the side of an engine can be done in place, there is a rubber plug that tightens in place that will last for a while, or get the steel replacements that hammer into place. Depends on location as to whether you will need to remove your exhaust manifold.
...

Yep, look at the Dorman Products web site for a replacement. www.dormanproducts.com They make both the steel and rubber types. I'd just put the rubber type in unless access is easy - the rubber type have lasted just fine for me. Get two and carry a spare, in case the rubber replacement starts leaking.

[billyrb]

two quick notes:

FIRST: If your engine overheated and you have an auto, CHANGE YOUR TRANS FLUID IMMEDIATELY! When the motor overheats, the trans fluid going through the stock cooler in the radiator cooks as well, and will help your trans head south in short order.

SECOND: Have you checked to see if the fluid leak is actually coming from the heads and dripping down, as opposed to the freeze plugs? Might be a blown head gasket or warped head allowing fluid to escape.